Zarif calls for broadening of Iran-Venezuela ties

Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif in a meeting with his Venezuelan counterpart Delcy Rodriguez in Tehran on Monday called for the further expansion of mutual cooperation between the two countries.

‘The grounds are ready for vast cooperation between the two countries and I hope that during the ongoing visit given the presence of Venezuela’s representatives from banking and energy sectors we could broaden our relations in the banking and energy sectors,’ Zarif said.

Rodriguez is accompanying Venezuelan Oil Minister Del Pino on an official visit to Iran.

Zarif pointed to the issue of handing over the chairmanship of the non-aligned movement (NAM) to Venezuela, and said, ‘The Islamic Republic of Iran as an important member-state of the NAM and former head of the NAM is ready for rendering any help to better holding of the upcoming NAM summit in Caracas.

The Iranian foreign minister pointed to his next week’s visit to several Latin American countries, including Venezuela, and said, ‘During my upcoming visit a high-ranking economic delegation comprising government officials and representatives of the private sector will accompany which shows depth of Iran’s attention to the broadening of all-out relations with the Latin American countries.’

The Venezuelan foreign minister, for her part, voiced her pleasure in visiting Iran, and welcomed Zarif’s next week visit to Venezuela.

Rodriguez called for broadening of relations with Iran in all areas, and underlined the need for consultations between the two countries on regional and international issues while underlined Iran’s role and importance in the region.

The two sides also exchanged views on holding the upcoming NAM summit in Venezuela.